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Outdoor sports competition returning to local high schools in October

Both school boards will not require students to be vaccinated to participate
football
A football on the feild.

Starting October, outdoor sports teams will be returning to play for high schools in Guelph and Wellington County.

Participants will not have to show proof of vaccination.

The Wellington Catholic District School Board and the Upper Grand District School Board released a joint statement earlier this month allowing for practices to resume.

All fall sport competitions, games and matches will start the week of Oct. 4. The release explains the delay will give athletic directors and district conveners the chance to review Ministry, OPHEA, school board and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health guidelines while developing schedules.

When asked about the vaccination policy for students participating in sports, communications specialist for the WCDSB, Ali Wilson, said via email the WCDSB currently does not require students to be vaccinated to participate in outdoor fall sports. 

"Sports are an extension of the school day. Student-athletes must continue to screen daily for COVID-19 symptoms and follow COVID-19 Health and Safety protocols as outlined in Ontario’s School Reopening Guidelines."

The UGDSB has also confirmed there is no vaccination policy for students.

Sports were approved to start begin training and practices on Sept. 7. The decision to resume fall inter-school outdoor sports was made in consultation with WDG Public Health and district sport partners. All activities must follow the guidelines issued by WDG Public Health. 

Currently, fall inter-school indoor sports are not included in this announcement. The release explains these sports are not cancelled, but will not begin until further notice. An update about the resumption of indoor sports will be made at a later date.

Further in her email, Wilson adds both boards are working together to review the policy in conjunction with our partners in public health and provide the necessary guidance to begin the season and will make changes during the Winter and Spring months depending on recommendation from both the Ministry of Education and WDG Public Health. To see the full announcement on return to play, click here.


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